Does Pacific Grove Need a Grants Management Strategy?
Updated: 5 days ago
Our city has a strong record of securing competitive grant funding for infrastructure and environmental projects.
As we plan for future capital investments, should competitive grants play a larger role in PG's long-term financial strategy?
Pacific Grove Has a Strong Grant Record
One example is the Lovers Point stormwater diversion system, which redirects dry-weather runoff from protected coastal waters into the sanitary sewer system.
The project helped Pacific Grove comply with state requirements while reducing local environmental impacts.
It also shows how the city can pair technical planning with outside funding to advance important public projects without relying solely on local resources.
Shoreline Management Plan
Pacific Grove has already invested in planning that would support certain categories of future infrastructure funding.
With support from a $221,000 Caltrans grant, for example, PG completed the Shoreline Management Plan, which identifies ways to protect Ocean View Boulevard, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, and other coastal assets from erosion and sea-level rise.
New Funding Is Coming Online
Voters approved Proposition 4 in November 2024, authorizing $10 billion for climate resilience and natural-resource projects.
Several funding areas align with priorities Pacific Grove has already identified, including coastal protection, stormwater infrastructure, parks, and wildfire preparedness.
The State Water Resources Control Board is developing a $110 million stormwater grant program under Proposition 4 for projects that deliver multiple community benefits.
For many grant programs, timing is crucial. Communities that already have adopted plans, completed environmental review, or advanced engineering often have a competitive advantage because they can move more quickly from design to construction -- i.e., they are close to "shovel ready."
A Local Example
Earlier this year, our neighbors in Monterey issued a request for proposals seeking outside grant writing and management services. The scope included identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and helping administer grants after they are awarded.
Monterey's approach does not necessarily mean Pacific Grove should do the same. But does illustrate how one neighboring community is thinking about its approach.
What Might a Grants Strategy Include?
How cities approach grants takes several forms. There's no "one size fits all" approach. Examples could include:
Maintaining an inventory of active grants, pending applications, and upcoming funding opportunities.
Aligning opportunities with the City's Capital Improvement Program.
Identifying potential matching funds for high-priority projects.
Monitoring state and federal grant cycles throughout the year.
Coordinating applications across departments and regional partners when appropriate.
A Question Worth Discussing
Our city has demonstrated that it can successfully compete for grant funding. We also already have planning documents that align well with several major state funding programs that are now becoming available.
As our community considers future infrastructure investments, I think it's worth discussing whether grant development should remain an occasional activity or become a more intentional part of the city's long-term financial strategy. It's also a good topic for discussion as we hire a city manager.
